Home Care Services Experts Share Everything Seniors Need To Know About High Cholesterol
We’ve all heard doctors say it - “be sure to watch your cholesterol!” Taking this medical advice becomes especially important as you get older. According to the National Institutes of Health total cholesterol levels steadily increase with age from 20 to 65. But what does this mean for seniors, and what can they do to ensure that they stay healthy? Here are some of the dangers of having high cholesterol, and some of the best ways to prevent it, according to home care services experts.
High cholesterol isn’t good for your heart
Doctors and home care service experts agree: High cholesterol increases the chances that a senior will develop heart disease. If you or a loved one is a senior with a history of atherosclerosis in the arteries of the legs, or diabetes, it is especially important to be aware of your cholesterol levels. Lowering your blood cholesterol level will decrease your chances of heart complications.
Stay active, but be smart about it
Doctors love to tell you that staying active will lead to a longer, healthier life, and they aren’t wrong. Being physically active can help reduce your cholesterol and is a proven method for lowering your risk of heart disease. Home care service experts suggest talking to your doctor before you begin any new physical activities, just in case there is any extra information they want you to have.
Everyone is different, and not all treatment is created equal
Just because one method for lowering cholesterol works for someone doesn’t mean it will work for someone else. Many factors are considered when health experts are developing a plan to lower someone’s cholesterol, including what types of foods they eat, how old they are and what medications they’re on. If you or a loved one is a senior dealing with high cholesterol, be aware that your doctor may have a different approach to helping you than you might have thought. Always trust your doctors!
Do Not get lax as you get older
Many seniors falsely think that because they haven’t had to deal with complications from high cholesterol yet that they don’t have to worry about it. This couldn't be further from the truth, according to experts. Symptoms from high cholesterol can pop up at any point in someone’s life, even if they’ve had a good track record thus far. Certain genes can protect the body from these increased risks, but doctors warn patients that good genes won’t protect them forever. By paying close attention to your cholesterol levels, you have a much greater chance of living a long, fulfilling life.